As the competition prompt suggests, Insectarium Metamorphosis is designed to give a completely immersive experience in the world of entomology. The proposal incorporates incubating facilities and greenhouses that all have transparent openings, allowing visitors to observe the Insectarium’s inner workings. The exhibition space itself will make use of materials such as rammed earth, glass, and water features that enable patrons to get as close to the insects as possible. A new butterfly house will surround them in a recreation of the creatures’ natural habitat.

This project is one of three architectural interventions chosen by the Space for Life competition. The two other selected proposals are for the Montréal Biodome, and the city’s Botanical Gardens. All three are set to be implemented by 2017.